Karen E. Holt-Tiffin
2009
Citations
0
Influential Citations
16
Citations
Journal
Chimica Oggi-chemistry Today
Abstract
The enantiomers of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3- one are extremely versatile synthons and are being used in a growing number of drug candidates. A number of years ago we discovered a bioresolution approach to these compounds utilising a lactamase catalysed resolution of the racemic material. Discovery of efficient enzymes from wild type strains with complementary stereoselectivity made synthesis of both isomers of 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one possible. These processes have been further developed throughout the years and remain the most efficient approach to prepare synthons of this type. This paper describes the development of the lactamase enzymes and exemplifies the growing applicability of synthons derived from (+)- and (-)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5- en-3-one.